Underdogs and Legends: The 2009 NJCAA Championship Showdown in Pittsburg

As college football winds down this season, I find myself reminiscing about one of the most unforgettable games I ever covered. On December 6, 2009, Fort Scott Community College faced Blinn Community College at Pittsburg State University in the NJCAA National Championship.

This game was monumental for Fort Scott. Just a few years prior, their football program was in shambles, struggling to win even a single game over multiple seasons. To see the Greyhounds compete on a national stage felt like witnessing a true underdog story.

Blinn, on the other hand, brought a star-studded lineup to Pittsburg, led by a quarterback you might recognize: Cam Newton. Yes, that Cam Newton—future Heisman Trophy winner and NFL MVP. It was clear from the start that he was something special.

Adding another layer of intrigue was Brad Franchione, Blinn’s head coach at the time. It was poetic that he returned to Pittsburg State’s stadium, where his father, Dennis Franchione, had once led the Gorillas as their head coach. The Franchione legacy came full circle that day.

The weather was typical for December in Southeast Kansas: cold, damp, with a persistent light mist that made the air feel even chillier. Despite the conditions, the game was electric. Both teams played with heart, but Fort Scott’s championship dreams ended with a heartbreaking mistake. Late in the game, all they had to do was punt the ball out of bounds to maintain their slim lead. Instead, they punted to Blinn, who capitalized with a game-winning return. The Greyhounds’ Cinderella story came to a disappointing close.

Adding to the drama, tensions were high after the game. Fort Scott's players were so frustrated that they refused to shake hands with Blinn, a rare and somber ending to a hard-fought contest. Sadly, Fort Scott's football program no longer exists, making this game even more significant in the school’s history.

Looking back, it was a privilege to capture this piece of sports history. Trey Daerr and I shot video from that day, and every time I revisit the footage, it brings back the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments of that cold December afternoon.

While Fort Scott didn’t get their fairy-tale ending, this game will always be a reminder of why I love covering sports: the stories, the passion, and the memories that stick with you long after the final whistle.